Coolatta Schmoolatta...

Update on my Quit Now challenge is here, in Chile's blog comments.

This is one of my all-time favorite jokes

...and I am sharing it with you because I like you, and well, it's 2:40 in the morning and I am still awake (grrr).
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Two cannibals are standing around stirring a big pot over the fire.

Cannibal #1 says: "I hate my mother-in-law."

Cannibal #2 replies: "Then just eat the vegetables!"


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a ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha. i'm sure this joke would get an even better response if you can find a fifth grader to tell it to. a ha ha ha ha ha.

**and no, i do NOT hate my mother-in-law! i like her v much.

Audubon Society Trails

Is a picture really worth a thousand words? That's good, b/c it is 1:26 and I am sincerely going to try to go to bed soon. I am on a new med, and it is keeping me up at all hours, skin crawling and legs twitching, nerves irritated and heart aflutter. No, my heart is not fluttering, but who doesn't like to say "aflutter"?? (What a weird word.) Anyhoo, thought you might enjoy some pics from a little evening jaunt Scottie and I took on Tuesday to the Audubon trails in town. You can read more about it (and see his beautiful pictures) on Rock, Water and Light.






Okay, but I do have to mention this. See the incredibly massive pine tree below.
And then see the incredibly massive pine tree with Scott as reference point...
That's one big tree!
"Is that an enormous tree in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?"

Dear god, I am so sorry - ALLISON! - it's late. I have no excuse, really...It was a beautiful evening.

~Al

p.s. For those of you frustrated by the likes of my Yahoo blog...the baby project is coming along quite nicely. No baby as yet, but enjoying the "process." Ahem. Yes, all's well that ends well. Oh dear, I have gone and done it again. Goodnight, all!

p.p.s. Wish me luck. Tuesday night the darn med had me up 'til 5 a.m. (yes, morning folks, that's "tomorrow" in your world); last night it was 4 a.m. Blargh.

Flashback to Father's Day

A little Father's Day story for you (after all). On FD Sunday, we went to Laconia to visit my Mom and Dad. Had some delicious brunch, traded some gifts, and set out for fishing on Lake Winnisquam. But we were too lazy to fish (which is really lazy) so we took a boat ride under cloudy skies instead. Fine with me - a boat ride is the right choice for almost any day.
Our one big adventure was that while idling down to coast under the Route 3 bridge, we saw a fisherman. We really stopped to visit the loon. Dad has an unbridled love of the dear creatures. We were about to exchange the usual, "Didja catch anything" banter with the fisherman when we saw him hook something. He pulled up hard on the line, and nothing appeared. "Log," we thought. Then he joked, "I caught me a loon." Then there was silence. It wasn't a joke. My heart caught in my throat.
But a hook had caught in the loon's.
Luckily, Loon Ranger leapt to the rescue. Really, there was little we could do. We struggled to get near the loon while the fisherman gently reeled in, trying to lure the loon close enough so we could free him. We knew in our hearts all this was in vain. No loon would let us get that close, even if hurt and in danger. I kept thinking, "Cut the line!" But apparently, that is no good, as the loon could strangle himself with too much slack line dangling behind him as he dives and feeds.
Finally, despite our clumsy efforts, the loon broke the line. Hook remained in place, and we were never sure if it was in his throat or his beak. He swam a length away and began to shake his head back and forth, trying to free himself from that wretched hook. He was ruffled.
But not as ruffled as this guy. ;)
Here's Mom on my trusty never-leave-my-side cell phone (yes, boaters, take your damn phones with you - it doesn't mean you have to take calls!). She called 911 and then Fish & Game. The Loon Preservation Society was closed and F&G had no one available to send. Not good. The Loon Ranger is in the background there, maneuvering the boat with compassion for his little buddy.
We finally had to move on. Dad was concerned the loon had not dove in a long time. Then suddenly he slipped into the water and resurfaced several yards away. Supposedly that was a good sign. We worried about him but there was nothing left to be done. We gave very specific location instructions to F&G in case they found someone who could help. [Sometime I'll have to tell you Dad's whole Loon Lore....]
At the end of our journey, we have Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn to bid you farewell, after they skillfully shifted the boat onto its lift and loaded 'er up.
Alright, enough of that. And thus was Father's Day.

A week later, I saw the loon in the same cove by the bridge, swimming at ease. I took this as a very good omen.

~Al

Sugar

This is who I'm going to see tomorrow: Baby A, also known as Gabe. I made his fam some food for while mom recovers, including:

~Chicken, vegetable and rice soup
~Spinach and vegetable lasagna (with Italian bread)
~Banana bread (with chocolate chips and pecans)
~Zucchini bread (with chocolate chips and pecans, b/c you can't have too much of a good thing)
~Turkey, apricot and apple Waldorf salad (on Romaine leaves)

And I also got them some frozen easy foods for quick dinners.

Can't wait to see Laurel and Gaby tomorrow. Al

Time's Up.

The honeymoon of unemployment is over, just like that. Today we had to cancel our trip. Unless I get a sudden perfect job offer by Thursday [hear that, Universe?], we are not going to be able to go. So much for relaxation and taking it a little easy, giving it time.

Tip is so done with his antibiotics. Today the tummy rejected its last pill and after he coughed that up onto the rug, he proceeded to Puke. Twelve. Times. On. The. Rug. By that I mean T-W-E-L-V-E--T-I-M-E-S. I have the rug burns from cleaning puke to prove it. Needless to say, we are done with the course of antibiotics.

And I have a white hair standing defiantly on top of my head, pointing straight up (as if back arched, heels dug in), right there in the rift of my part. "You are aging, damnit, whether you like it or not. You can pull me out, but I'll be back."

You can't fight time.

Ally

Quiet Spaces

At the poetry reading the other night, a woman said to me she hasn't had time to write as she's been too busy, hasn't had the time to quiet down. I know what she means. We live at such a hectic pace, always in motion, trying to jam seventeen things in every short minute, often wishing we could have done more. I am finding some quiet finally. I am rather happy.

Until now, I haven't had much to say since my job was eliminated and I found myself flung into an unexpected life situation. I worked on polishing up my resume, finding a new job, making the right calls and not making the wrong ones. One day a connection with a job lead, the next, a long-overdue lunch with mom. Then reading a poem - in public - to spice things up. (The audience was kind, by the way, and the poem was well received. Thanks for your encouragement!)

But today as I sat in the car and at a red light, I found myself hurriedly jotting down posts I want to write. On quiet spaces, moments of wonder (to come), and topics yet to be revealed. I am quieting down. I learn to segment and gently protect my days. Finally at the end of last week, I said "no" to an invite: I need some time for me, to breathe, find out what's happened to me, see where we're headed next.

As the noise of busyness slips away, these are some quiet things I have had the luxury of enjoying:

1) Tending my plants. I pour over them daily now, watching the minuscule progress. A blue ceramic pot holds wonderful yellow marigolds. Rain grew the leaves tall, almost hiding the three flowers among green. Two new buds promise more color. I can't wait.

2) Cooking for Laurel. She has had the baby (gorgeous Gabriel) and is recovering. In a new home (we moved them last Saturday), she rests. I envision myself in an Italian kitchen...I crank up the oven each day and make a huge mess (of love) and I will bring her piles of food soon (casseroles, frozen meals, easy to prepare and wolf down without hassling). Food is love where I come from.

3) Missing Robin. She's gone to England for several weeks and I feel the lack of her presence. I hope the next few are happy days for her, making good memories to soothe her heart from recent trials. She deserves a break.

4) Taking care of my body. Went to the chiro today. Reminded me how much I need a massage. Trying to tend this body of mine, remember its fibromyalgia, be a little kinder and gentler. That said, also hoping to lose some weight in my new life without work, eating out and comforting myself with food after hard days at the office. I have time to walk, stretch, and move now. Want to use the time well.

5) Sleep. Sometimes you just need to catch up. And it is good.

Are you finding any quiet spaces (inside or out)?
~Allison

I couldn't resist one more

"Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" by Sungha Jung
(Bach, arranged by D. Qualey)

(A beautiful arrangement and perfectly played.)

Moon River (Wow)

"Moon River" by Sungha Jung

(This is one of my all-time favorite songs, and so tenderly rendered. Thank you, Sungha Jung.)

Demo post for Kristin #2

"Blackbird" by Sungha Jung

(Wow, this kid is incredible.)

Demo post for Kristin

Check this out.


[THESE TWO DEMO POSTS REFERENCE INSTRUCTIONS I GAVE TO KRISTIN ON HOW TO POST VIDEOS IN YOUR BLOG (ON BLOGGER). IF YOU WOULD LIKE ME TO POST THE INSTRUCTIONS FOR EVERYONE, LET ME KNOW.]

Saturday Night

From our friends at Shoeboxblog:
Less Fun Things About Summer

by Dee Ann


*sweat

*bees

*sweat bees

*often Summer is the name of a mean girl

*public pool bathroom floors

*ice cream truck "music"

*tank tops on tank-like people

Quote of the Day

"A stranger is just a friend you haven’t met yet. Or a psycho who hasn’t killed you yet. It’s hard to tell with strangers."
–Scott

And this from Headline Humor:

And a final thought from Shoeboxblog, just 'cause this little guy's so cute:



~Ally

Note to self

It's the second hour of "Jonathan Edward, Crossing Over" that'll really hit you for a loop. That is, if you weren't already blubbering in the first episode.

Ahem.

I'm taking a day off

No, not off blogging. Don't be silly! Off work. Wait, don't be silly. I'm unemployed! But I'm taking a day off trying to solve/fix/save the world.

**Wonder Woman has left the building.**

Thursday will not include job hunting, calling unemployment, making important contacts, following job leads, researching companies, stockpiling savings, selling off wares, or anything else productive. It will also not include haircuts, long drives to and fro, editing and proofreading, making calls to horrible customer service hotlines, or going to the grocery store. It will be void of lists, charting, plotting, planning, maneuvering, and fixing of any kind.

Thursday will include relaxing, being happy, chatting with friends, checking blogs, fussing over my plants, maybe a little laundry, very possibly an episode of Boston Public, some Style Network, some munching on goodies, petting the dog and watching the world go by.

Thursday is for me, a post-trauma, settle down, take a break, be okay and be happy day.

Thursday night I am doing my first ever public poetry reading. So I guess Thursday better include a couple practice read-throughs too.

Looking forward to Thursday.

i still am (or am i?)

felt like doing this again. a week later and a chapter wiser. am i?

i am . . .

i am: up too late, again.
i think: i could really be happy writing for a living.

i know: how to raise one eyebrow at a time.

i want: an English Setter.
i have: an invitation to read one of my poems on Thursday night and for some reason, i cannot commit to it. why?
i wish: i could have two years off work to write and have babies.
i hate: sweet pickles.
i miss: my Grandma Dorothy. she's too far away.
i fear: that i will have trouble getting unemployment pay. [last week's was: losing my job. a ha ha ha.]
i feel: like taking the summer off. shhh - Scott'll have an aneurysm.
i hear: the fridge making its night sounds - translation: go to bed.
i smell: mold - it's settling into the grass, so hot and damp and muggy. it's killing my allergies.
i crave: sweets, pretty much all the time.
i search: the internet for interesting jobs close to home.
i wonder: how the stars feel. (celestial, not Hollywood)
i regret: not pursuing the Communications major in college - and frankly can't remember what changed my mind about it.
"i love: you" is the most powerful phrase on earth.
i ache: most days. fibromyalgia will do that to ya. lately it's OK.
i care: about my fellow bloggers. that strikes me as odd and sweet and freakish and scary and human all at the same time. you?
i always: double check my work. unless i don't.
i am not: too old to become a mother. but i did get the brochure.
i believe: in the power of ... (ellipses)
i dance: to stay sane.
i sing: to worship a God i can't name.
i cry: when i see humans being really good to each other.
i don’t always: order a turkey sandwich. but i usually do.
i fight: with myself more than anyone.

i write: and i feel alive.
i win: the prize at longest string of crap jobs that don't make sense with the price tag on my education.
i lose: sight of scott when i get caught up in bossing him around.
i never: forget to lock the door. if it's unlocked, i meant to do that.
i confuse: people sometimes when i "talk-to-think" - my words can't keep up with my thoughts and i leave out some connecting details.
i listen: to country music now, and i absolutely love it.
i can usually be found: with this laptop burning my lap at night. why do they get so hot underneath?
i am scared: of being wrong about God after all.
i need: to feel appreciated and recognized in order to feel content. say what you will, i just do.
i am happy about: the possibility that life could be very long and i could work out several of my dilemmas before it's over.

what about "i hope"?
i hope: scott and i can still go on our vacation. [for a discussion on hope, see this. for a discussion on my vacation, see this.]
i'm grateful for: my nieces, my husband, Tippy, and you.

Und du?

~Al

Lupine Saturday (II)

I love this picture of Scott - the whole world is swirling with motion and there he is right in the middle of it, dynamic and free.

More pics throughout the week at Rock, Water and Light.
~Al

Lupine Saturday in Two Posts (I)

Scott helped me not be too sad on Saturday. We went here.






It helped much and I enjoyed taking pictures and being restful.
~Allison

Tomorrow's Monday

And I am not going to work.

{This is attempt #3 at writing this post. Apparently without a job, I am really, really boring! Hmpfh.}

Well, what's new with you?

~A

Because I Have To

All from Telegraph.co.uk/pictures. Click to enlarge any photo.

Cinders the piglet who reportedly won't walk through mud unless she wears her wellington boots. The little piglet is owned by Debbie and Andrew Keeble, farmers from Bedale, North Yorkshire. Picture: ROSS PARRY. [That is just ridiculous ~ and by that I mean, delightful!!]

Young Meishan pigs at the Tierpark Friedrichsfelde zoo in Berlin. Picture: AFP/GETTY.

Dutch supporters dressed as tigers are pictured before the start of the Euro 2008 Netherlands vs. France match at the Stade de Suisse Wankdorf in Bern, Switzerland. Picture: AFP / GETTY.

A cyclist passes by willow trees covered with silk from the so-called Spinning Moth in Nijmegen, Netherlands. Picture: AFP/GETTY. [Whoa.]

A person touches a braille map of the Paris metro. Picture: AFP/GETTY.

A boy dives off a pier into a harbour at sunset near Bridgetown, Barbados. Picture: REUTERS. [Red, are you going there?]

Two women prepare to take part in an environmental demonstration in which over 200 cyclists rode naked to celebrate cycling and the human body in Brighton, UK. Picture: EPA. [Bewahh the nibbies!]

British fashion designer Vivienne Westwood arrives at the Third Annual Raisa Gorbachev Gala Dinner. Picture: EPA. [Yowsah.]

A man rides nearly naked down Pennsylvania Avenue towards the US Capitol during the US version of the World Naked Bike Ride to draw attention to oil dependency. Picture: AFP / GETTY. [Ouch. Dad might have suggested a scarf - don't want to catch cold...]

A phasmatodea (stick insect) perches on a leaf in the Butterfly House opened at the Natural History Museum in Milan, Italy. Picture: GETTY.

[Don't say I never took you anywhere.
~Al]